Under construction: Young Life upgrades facilities with larger complex

Published 6:37 am, Friday, April 22, 2016

Under construction: Young Life upgrades facilities with larger complex

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At the Young Life Center on Wadley Avenue, the building has been surrounded by a significant amount of construction. What looks like one building enveloping another is actually the organization’s eventual new dig.

“It started clearing in the fall, and they were doing the parking lot on the south side,” said Rip Gibbs, area director for Midland Young Life. “The completion date is this summer.”

Then the goal is to move everything from the older building into the newer, larger version as soon as it is ready. After completing the transition, the older building will be torn down, making way for a sports court, which will allow for more youth to enjoy the activities of the program.

Through ministry and activities, Young Life helps teenagers with faith-based guidance and friendships to stay with them for the duration of their lives.

About a year and a half ago members alerted the foundation that they needed a new space which eventually got the ball rolling.

“The new building is significantly bigger,” Gibbs said. “We were at a point when we knew we needed to expand what we had or get a new building, and in the long run we figured a new building would be our best option. We just outgrew the space we’re in.”

Funds were raised by the Young Life Building Foundation, a separate entity that helps maintain the facilities of Midland’s branch.

“It’ll just be an overall upgrade and will further cement the permanence of where we are,” Gibbs said. “It allows us to have much more recreation and kids will have a place where they can feel comfortable and hang out. It will be a very user-friendly place. Hopefully it helps establish us further as a place worth visiting.”

As far as activities hosted, not much will change as the newer facility will still house Bible Study, lunches, ministry and remain a place for teenagers to gather for fellowship. As always, the building’s use will depend on the week’s schedule, but the capacity for people will increase.

While Gibbs recognizes the role the older building has played over the last 15 years, he’s largely thrilled to focus on the future in the organization’s new space.

“I’m very excited,” Gibbs said. “It’s been fun to watch the process, and it’s such a gift, but it will be great to open that thing up and get kids in there for the stuff we do. It’s going to be a great gift for the community.”